Amir lauds UAE on National Day

02/12/2017

Fireworks illuminate the sky over the capital Abu Dhabi on Dec 1, during celebrations ahead of the 46th Emirati National Day, celebrated on Dec 2. (AFP)

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 2, (KUNA): His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Saturday a cable to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid Al-Nahayan, congratulating him on his country’s 46th National Day anniversary. In his cable, His Highness the Amir expressed his best wishes and praise to achievements made by UAE in various fields, wishing Sheikh Khalifa good health and prosperity.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables marking the occasion. People in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are marking Saturday the 46th National Day in an atmosphere that celebrates the huge leaps achieved by the Gulf nation under the guidelines of its wise and visionary leadership. On Feb 10, 1972, the seven Emirates that constitute the country united under one banner to walk together forward into a bright and promising future.

During the reign of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Governor of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al-Maktoum, the major Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai had transformed into international hubs for business and tourism. The UAE’s nonoil exports had also increased to $167 billion in 2016.

Aside from the national achievements, the UAE had distinguished relations with fellow GCC countries namely Kuwait with ties dating before the independence of the Emirates in the 1950s and 1960s. The relations were tested in 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait and as it was expected, the UAE strongly condemned the heinous act and even hosted thousands of Kuwaiti families during their darkest days. The Emirates had a crucial part in the operations, which led to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. The United Arab Emirates continues the march of development and progress it began 46 years ago, when the emirates united to form the UAE.

The UAE has been developing at economic, development, political and social fronts, making it among the leading nations globally. The country is leading the country in different indices, like sustainable development, modern infrastructure, security, higher education, government efficiency and the trust in the government.

The UAE succeeded in diversifying its economy thus providing jobs for citizens and expatriates, and keeping the country away from financial turmoils. Non-oil exports amounted to $164 billion in 2016. Non-oil sector contributed 77 percent to gross national product which shielded the UAE from effects of oil prices’ drop.

The UAE has strong relations with Kuwait dated back to more than six decades, and the two countries even strive to further cement cooperation in economic, social and political levels. Kuwait sent a mission to the UAE in 1955 to launch education. The mission built schools and equip them with books and stationery. A medical mission sent by Kuwait in 1962 and established clinics and hospitals. Kuwait also contributed to establishing a TV station in Dubai in 1969, named Kuwait TV from Dubai.

Late UAE President Sheikh Zayed Al-Nahyan played an honorable role during Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait in 1990-91. The UAE hosted tens of thousands of Kuwaiti families and Sheikh Zayed sent forces to participate in the war of liberation of Kuwait. Kuwait and the UAE signed an agreement in 2006 to establish a joint higher committee, which made a transformation in diplomatic and political relations. Kuwait Ministry of Information set up a pavilion at the City Walk in Dubai and displayed booklets about the relations with the UAE and its people.